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Bomb-Making Items Found At Explosion, Man's Hand Blown Off

Last updated on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

(FORT WAYNE) (WANE/AP) - Investigators with the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit continued to investigate a Sunday night explosion at 2600 River Cove Trail Monday afternoon, which sent a man to the hospital in critical condition after his hand was blown off.

According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, investigators believe that a 43-year-old man had concocted an explosive mixture that became rock-like and when he began to chisel the hardened substance, it exploded.

The exact chemical makeup of that substance remains under investigation.
Police have not released the man's name, but he remained hospitalized after losing a hand in the explosion.

While searching the home, bomb technicians discovered several items that are commonly used in the manufacture of bombs or explosive devices.

"The evidence suggests that this was a hobby of his," Raquel Foster, spokesperson for the police department said. "I don't think this was his first time experimenting with mixing these types of chemicals."

Investigators did not immediately have an opportunity to speak with the suspect while he received treatment in the hospital. They collected evidence other than the chemicals from the apartment to determine what intentions the man had.

The man's two teenaged children were present when the explosion occurred and one of them was also injured. That teenager was taken to the hospital and has since been treated and released.

This incident remains under investigation with the City of Fort Wayne Police Department, the ATF (Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives Bureau) and the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

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